Inside the New York Yankees clubhouse with MLB.com beat writer Bryan Hoch.

Jeter: “We didn’t accomplish anything yet”

The final out, the one that punched the Yankees’ 16th playoff ticket in 17 years, landed in Curtis Granderson’s glove securely. They celebrated with handshakes, as they would any other 4-2 victory over the Rays, but nothing more.

Yankees captain Derek Jeter said that the team has decided to hold off on any major (read: wet) celebrations until the team clinches the American League East title.

“We still feel as though we didn’t accomplish anything yet,” Jeter said. “Yeah, we’re happy to be in the playoffs, but people aren’t running around here jumping up and down because we clinched a postseason berth. Our goal is to win the division, and we have not done that.

“So we need to continue to play well and hopefully get that done. But it does feel good to know that you’re going to the playoffs.”

Of Jeter’s even-keeled approach, manager Joe Girardi said:

“I like it. It’s only one of three steps that you want to accomplish in the regular season. Yeah, we congratulated each other a little bit, but CC (Sabathia) is going tonight. We want to get his 20th win for him. We’re still pedal to the metal.”

Back in time

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